Fulham 1-3 Arsenal

Lukas Podolski scored twice as Arsenal claimed a first victory of the Barclays Premier League season with a 3-1 defeat of Fulham at Craven Cottage.

A 3-1 opening day loss at home to Aston Villa resulted in Arsenal supporters questioning Arsene Wenger's status as manager, expressing their unhappiness at the Gunners' lack of progress in the transfer market.

A 3-0 victory in the Champions League qualifying first leg at Fenerbahce quietened the dissenters and first-half strikes from Olivier Giroud and Podolski today lifted the mood further.

Germany striker Podolski, who has been linked with a move away from London as Wenger bids to reshape his squad before the September 2 closure of the transfer window, converted another devastating Arsenal counter-attack for a third.